News

CLOSUP examines impact of proposed smoking ban in the first of a new series of policy briefs

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Ford School’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) published the first in a planned set of reports called "Michigan Research Briefs: A Series on Key Policy Issues." The inaugural report, "Smoke-Free Legislation" examines a variety of policy issues related to smoke-free legislation, including economic issues, public health issues, and the role of government in the private market.

The researchers conclude that smoking bans have not negatively affected revenues of restaurants and bars, but that the impact is less clear at gambling institutions. Twenty-four states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have passed the type of smoke-free workplace legislation currently under debate by the Michigan legislature. The proposed legislation would prohibit smoking in all workplaces, and it has been opposed by some in the hospitality industry.

CLOSUP's "Michigan Research Briefs" series will be released over the coming months. The series will include reports on the individual health insurance market, business taxes, the prison population and corrections expenditures, economic development and college scholarships, and transportation funding. The research briefs are designed to provide concise, nonpartisan descriptions of the policy topics, including essential background and contextual information. Key features of each policy topic will be highlighted and a review of relevant high-quality research on the topic provided to help inform the policy debate. The research briefs will also provide the reader with a short glimpse into how other states have addressed similar policy concerns.